Dextrothyroxine tablets

What are dextrothyroxine tablets?

DEXTROTHYROXINE (Choloxin®) can help prevent cholesterol clogging blood vessels. It lowers blood fats and cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I take dextrothyroxine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• over- or under-active thyroid

• scheduled for surgery

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dextrothyroxine, tartrazine dye, other medicines. foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dextrothyroxine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients may be more affected by thyroid effects of dextrothyroxine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with dextrothyroxine?

• cholestyramine

• colestipol

• heart medicine such as digoxin or digitoxin

• medicines for diabetes

• thyroid hormones

• ursodiol

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dextrothyroxine?

Dextrothyroxine will not cure your condition, but taken regularly it will help keep down your cholesterol level. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking your dextrothyroxine, except on your prescriber's advice.

Dextrothyroxine is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dextrothyroxine.

If you are diabetic, the dose of your antidiabetic medicine may need to be changed. Dextrothyroxine can increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking dextrothyroxine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain

• fast or irregular heartbeats

• shortness of breath

• stomach pain with nausea and vomiting

Side effects that may indicate too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) include:

• changes in appetite

• changes in menstrual periods

• diarrhea

• hand tremors

• increased sensitivity to heat

• irritability

• muscle weakness

• nervousness

• skin rash or itching

• sweating

• trouble sleeping

• weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.